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Black Friday

Suggestions for a Happy Shopping Season

By Kali Nichols – GCC Fashion Business Program Sophomore and Retail Employee

As a retail worker, I thought I could share some tips for an enjoyable Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping experience this year. Many college students are retail employees, balancing long retail work hours, family time, and preparation for class final exams or final project presentations. Customers are busy trying to balance jobs, family, and efficient shopping trips. These tips may help customers and worker have positive experiences in the store.

Some retailers let the employees pick which day (or both) they would like to work and the hours they are available; the retailers understand that their employees also want to spend time with their families for the holidays. Because of this, employees that you encounter at some stores are most likely to be in a good mood since they picked those hours and of course it’s the best time of the year. However, if you see an employee who looks like the day is really just getting the best of them, try to understand that maybe their hours were dictated to them and they are missing out on their family time to help you shop. As a customer, having empathy may allow you to see the employee in a different light.

If a price rings up incorrectly when you are cashing out, the best thing to do is politely ask the cashier to do a price check. The employee is not trying to charge you the highest price if it isn’t correct, in fact salespersons love helping you get the best possible deal! Please remain patient even though you may have to take a few extra minutes cashing out while the employee calls over the radio for a floor associate to complete the price check for you.

Most stores have trained their employees in regards to coupons, discounts and how to smoothly complete every transaction efficiently and effectively. But occasionally, a problem arises that a cashier or salesperson cannot solve. Managers are always available for assistance in cases like this; these situations also may require your patience.

Lastly, please be friendly overall. Black Friday and the holiday shopping season is crazy busy for employees and customers who are working and shopping retail. Remember the reason you are buying the gifts and how much job will be had while unwrapping them. Happy shopping this year!

Turkey Day and Black Friday are just around the corner, and I’m sure you’re looking forward to it just as much as I am! However this year instead of Black Friday, why not try out Plaid Friday! This is an alternative to your typical Friday after Thanksgiving, a day in which consumers could and should support small local businesses, instead of the big box stores.

You may be wondering how Plaid Friday was born, and the answer is in Oakland, California in 2009 with gallery owner Kerri Johnson. She got fed up with the holiday shopping focus always being on big businesses, and she wanted to create a way for local and small businesses to “weave together” and create their own event and economic opportunity! This idea has since grown and is now known across the nation.

You can join this great event, and support the cause by wearing plaid and shopping the best sales on November 24th! No need to wake up at the crack of dawn! Sleep in! The deals will be there all day. Some of the participating local merchants in our community include:

Steve’s Styles: $5 gift certificate for every purchase of a $20 gift certificate

Walking in The Woods Gifts: 20% off entire purchase

Welch & Craine Trading Post: 20% off one item

Wortzman Furniture: $100 off any purchase over $999.99

McKay’s Antiques & Curiosity Shoppe: see specials in stores

Ms. B-Haven Alpacas: bring in the ad and get 10% off

Country Cottage: receive a free candle if wearing plaid

Lake Street Florist & Gift Shoppe: 10% off Star Vine Gift Line

The Divine Tree: 20% off one item

Vintage & Vogue Shop: 20% off one item

Nor-Web Leasing, Inc.: 15% off excluding appliances

Always ahead of the curve, Genesee Community College’s Fashion Design program created a plaid/tartan design several years ago. GCC’s plaid is registered with the Scottish Register of Tartan, National Archives of Scotland. The College’s official plaid is used by faculty, staff, clubs, and students at various events, particularly the College’s recent 50th Anniversary celebration where it helped to build the collegiate spirit.

Genesee Community College is one of the very few community colleges in the nation that has our own plaid design, especially one registered in Scotland, designed by alumni with various related projects managed by students! The plaid design has been used on men’s neck and bow ties, women’s silk scarves, as well vests, kilts, t-shirts (short and long sleeve), socks and stationary. New GCC plaid products will continue to provide students with merchandising opportunities.

If you are interested in purchasing GCC plaid products and supporting the Fashion Business program during this holiday season, visit www.gccfashion.live!